Quotes from Lysistrata

Quotations follow the Alan H. Sommerstein translation (Penguin Classics, 2003) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   There is no beast so fierce as a woman scorned, no fire so hot, and no leopard so untameable.

2. 3

   I will have naught to do whether with lover or husband, albeit he come to me with an erection.

3. 4

   We need only sit indoors with painted cheeks, and meet our mates lightly clad in transparent gowns of Amorgos silk, and with our 'mottes' nicely plucked smooth; then their tools will stand like mad and they will be wild to lie with us.

4. 5

   If only we women will sit indoors with painted faces, war will be ended.

5. 6

   Greece saved by the women!

6. 7

   There is no beast, no rush of fire, like woman so untamed. She calmly goes her way where even panthers would be shamed.

7. 8

   Never will I give myself voluntarily; and if he has me by force, I will be cold as ice, and never stir a limb.

8. 9

   'Tis a hard thing, by the two goddesses, it is! for a woman to sleep alone without ever a standing weapon in her bed.

9. 10

   Oh, wanton, vicious sex! the poets have done well to make tragedies upon us; we are good for nothing then but love and lewdness!

10. 11

    'Tis impossible to live with the baggages, impossible to live without 'em!

11. 12

    It should not prejudice my voice that I'm not born a man, if I say something advantageous to the present situation.

12. 13

    Beautifully dressed and wearing a saffron-coloured gown, to the end I may inspire my husband with the most ardent longings.

13. 14

    These are the things that vex me night and day, when as our sons go forth unto the war.